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Johnson likely to miss again for Cats

John Salvado

Steve Johnson is almost certain to miss Saturday's big AFL clash against Hawthorn due to a foot injury, with Geelong determined to take a no-risks approach with their mercurial midfielder.

Johnson sat out last Friday night's narrow win over Carlton and is still on crutches.

The triple premiership star has been cleared of any fracture, meaning he should be ready to resume in time for an eighth successive finals campaign.

But coach Chris Scott insisted on Tuesday the second-placed Cats would be ultra-conservative with the proven match-winner just two weeks out from the playoffs.

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"The plan was always to keep him off his foot for as long as possible, hence the crutches," said Scott.

"He can walk around fine, we just think it will help him more for it not to be weight-bearing ... the message I have received from our medical staff is that this is not a long-term thing, but it needs to managed in the acute phase which is generally in the first two weeks or so and then he'll be able to play after that.

"They're very confident."

Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel (corked thigh) and clever forward Jordan Murdoch (hip) are far more likely to be recalled against the Hawks.

The great modern-day rivals could well meet twice in less than three weeks, as they are every chance of also squaring off in a qualifying final.

"It's not certain we'll play Hawthorn again this year," said Scott.

"But assuming it was we would probably play them differently the next time anyway.

"If this game really mattered I suspect we would adjust a few things based on what we got the first time.

"Our game is there for everyone to see, we tend not to play too many tricks and I think the opposition know us pretty well and know what to expect.

"The same is probably true in reverse."

Scott said key forward Tom Hawkins was ready to go against the Hawks, despite looking sore in the win over Carlton.

But with fellow marking forward Shane Kersten unable to hit the scoreboard against the Blues, the day may open for Josh Walker or Mitch Brown, both of whom have shown encouraging recent form in the VFL.